The Perfect Cheese Pairing For Cucumber

Cucumbers are a versatile ingredient that can be used in anything from salads to sandwiches and soups. They are a great complement to many cheeses, including cream cheese, feta, and goat cheese.

One popular way to use cucumber and cheese together is in a sandwich. A cucumber and cream cheese sandwich is a traditional finger food for luncheons and picnics. The cream cheese is often combined with herbs such as dill and chives, and sometimes mayonnaise, to make a refreshing spread. The cucumber is thinly sliced and placed on white bread with the crusts removed, though pumpernickel bread is another option.

Cream cheese and fresh herbs

Cream cheese and cucumber is a classic combination that is used in many recipes. The cool, refreshing flavour of cucumber goes well with the creamy texture of cream cheese. This combination is used in a variety of dishes, from appetizers to sandwiches and even dips.

One popular way to use cream cheese and cucumber is to make cucumber sandwiches. These sandwiches are typically made with cream cheese, mayonnaise, and fresh herbs such as dill and chives, spread on bread and topped with thin slices of cucumber. They are easy to make and can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance, making them a convenient option for picnics or light lunches.

Another option is to make a cucumber cream cheese spread, which can be used as a dip for crackers or bagels, or as a refreshing appetizer. This spread is made by combining cream cheese, cucumber, and sometimes additional ingredients such as green onions, Worcestershire sauce, or garlic. It is best when refrigerated overnight to allow the flavours to blend.

Cream cheese and cucumber can also be used to make a simple and refreshing appetizer, such as cucumber rounds topped with herbed cream cheese. The cream cheese is mixed with fresh herbs like dill, garlic, and onion, and piped or spread onto cucumber slices. This appetizer can be prepared in advance and assembled just before serving to avoid the cucumber from becoming soggy.

In addition to these options, cream cheese and cucumber can also be used in more creative ways, such as adding them to soups, salads, or even cocktails. The versatility of this combination makes it a popular choice for many dishes.

Bagels or crackers

If you're looking for something a little more savoury, you can add some garlic and onion to the cream cheese mixture, along with a splash of pickle juice. This herbed cream cheese is a tasty and classic summer treat. You can also try adding some fresh herbs like dill, chives, parsley, or chervil to give it an extra kick of flavour.

For those who prefer their bagels and crackers with a bit of crunch, try thinly slicing cucumbers and arranging them on a plate. Top them with a savoury herbed cream cheese mixture for a refreshing bite. You can also try adding some paper-thin slices of cucumber to a bagel with cream cheese for a simple yet tasty snack.

If you're looking for a more substantial meal, why not make a cucumber sandwich? Combine cream cheese, mayonnaise, and fresh herbs like dill and chives for a refreshing spread. Spread it on your favourite bread, top with thinly sliced cucumbers, and you're good to go!

Greek tzatziki sauce

To make Greek tzatziki sauce, start by grating a cucumber using a box grater or a food processor. Squeeze out the excess water from the grated cucumber, as this is essential for achieving the right consistency. In a separate bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, and herbs. Mix everything together, and you're almost done! For the best results, chill the tzatziki sauce for a bit before serving to allow the flavours to meld.

Salads

When preparing a salad with cucumber, it is important to consider the water content. If the salad won't be served immediately, it is best to remove the seeds and sprinkle the cucumber with salt to draw out the moisture. This will prevent the salad from becoming soggy.

A simple and classic cucumber salad can be made with thin cucumber ribbons, a creamy dressing, and fresh herbs. For the dressing, a combination of cream cheese, mayonnaise, and fresh herbs like dill, chives, and chervil creates a refreshing and tangy flavour profile. This can be served as a side or paired with grilled chicken or fish for a more substantial meal.

For a more substantial salad, cucumber can be combined with other vegetables such as avocado, beetroot, cabbage, carrot, celery, eggplant, lettuce, mango, mushroom, onion, pineapple, radish, spinach, and tomato. Salty and savoury ingredients like olives, capers, and quinoa also pair well with cucumber.

When it comes to cheese, in addition to cream cheese, feta is a popular choice to pair with cucumber in salads. The salty, tangy flavour of feta complements the crispness of the cucumber. Goat cheese is another option that adds a creamy texture and tangy flavour to the salad.

To add a crunchy texture and some healthy fats to the salad, nuts such as almonds, macadamia nuts, and pistachios can be included. Spices like cumin, paprika, and black pepper can also enhance the flavour of the salad.

For a dressing, a simple combination of olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs like mint, basil, or parsley can be used. Alternatively, a creamy dressing made with yogurt or sour cream can be paired with a tangy vinegar like rice vinegar, white wine vinegar, or balsamic vinegar.

Some popular cucumber salad variations include a Greek cucumber salad with feta and olives, a Thai cucumber salad with peanuts and cilantro, and a Mediterranean cucumber salad with tomatoes and red onions.

Cucumber sandwiches

The traditional cucumber sandwich is a simple combination of cucumber, cream cheese, and fresh herbs, such as dill and chives, served on white bread with the crusts removed. However, you can also add mayonnaise, garlic powder, and black pepper to taste. This combination of flavours creates a refreshing bite that is perfect for picnics, luncheons, or teas.

For a more decadent option, try using a cream cheese-yogurt spread on whole-wheat bread. This adds a hearty flavour and texture to the sandwich while still allowing the crisp, refreshing cucumber to shine.

If you're looking for a quick and easy appetizer, why not try cucumber rounds with herbed cream cheese? Simply top cucumber slices with a mixture of cream cheese, dill, garlic, onion, and a splash of pickle juice. This tasty treat can be prepared in advance and assembled just before serving, making it a great option for summer entertaining.

When preparing cucumber sandwiches, it is important to use thin slices of cucumber to ensure the sandwich is easy to layer and enjoy. English cucumbers are a popular choice, as they have a mild, sweet flavour, thin skin, and crisp texture. It is also recommended to spread the cream cheese mixture edge-to-edge on the bread to create a barrier that protects the bread from becoming soggy.

So, whether you're looking for a simple snack or a more sophisticated dish, cucumber sandwiches are a delicious and versatile option that can be tailored to your taste.

Frequently asked questions